Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Discover the deliciousness of Smoky Sweet Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This easy recipe combines tender, juicy pork shoulder with a rich blend of spices and your favorite BBQ sauce, all made quickly in an Instant Pot. Serve the flavorful pulled pork on soft hamburger buns, topped with optional coleslaw for a delightful crunch. Perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy and impress your family and friends. Enjoy a comforting dish that brings everyone together!

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Ingredients

4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), trimmed of excess fat

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

8 hamburger buns

Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Sear the Pork: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat. Once hot, add the trimmed pork shoulder and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping any stuck bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This adds flavor and prevents the burn notice.

Add the Liquid and Seasonings: Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the chicken broth, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual or Pressure Cook for 60 minutes.

Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Shred the Pork: Open the lid and transfer the pork to a large plate. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat.

Combine with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir well to combine with the cooking juices. If you prefer thicker BBQ sauce, you can set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode again and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

Serve: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Pile the BBQ pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun, top with coleslaw (if using), and cap with the top half of the bun. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 8 servings